A pet rescue service has saved a starving and badly matted cat which was full of fleas and frightened.

The pet, which was found in a "poor condition" last week, was saved by Kitty Rescue Bury volunteers, who work to rescue cats across Bury, Bolton and Lancashire. 

 

Bury Times: Rescuers try to gain the cat's trust Rescuers try to gain the cat's trust (Image: public)

The volunteers gained the animal's trust, took it to the vets and although the owner said they wanted the cat back, after two days signed him over to the rescue charity.

Chantelle Farrow, a volunteer at Kitty Rescue Bury, said: “He was initially aggressive when caught but we managed to win his trust and scan his chip to find out that he was missing.

Bury Times: Matted fur shaved from the cat Matted fur shaved from the cat (Image: public)

“Originally his owner said they wanted him back so we left him at the emergency vet to get the care he needed before going back home.

“Sadly the owner didn't get in touch with the vets, only ourselves, so the vet couldn't start treatment and they really needed to.

Bury Times: The rescue cat after it's treatments The rescue cat after it's treatments (Image: public)

“After two days, the owner got in touch and agreed to sign him over.”

Following this, the vet was able to start treatment and he has now been de-matted, cleaned, flea treated, worm treated and had his nails cut.

Bury Times: The rescue cat after it's treatments The rescue cat after it's treatments (Image: public)

As a result of the extensive matting, the cat had to be shaved and is now bald and wears a jumper for warmth.

Chantelle said: “As you can see it looked like a sheep had been sheared with his mats.

Bury Times: The rescue cat before it's treatments The rescue cat before it's treatments (Image: public)

“He must feel better now as he relaxed and perked up a lot in the vets which was a nice change from the terrified kitty we caught.

“He is now safe in foster getting the care he needs and we are trying to think of a nice name for him.

Read more: Cat rescue volunteers make plea at Kitty Rescue Bury faces closure

Bury Times: Matted fur of the rescue cat Matted fur of the rescue cat (Image: public)

“He is such a sweetheart but hasn’t realised he will never be hungry again and wolfs down every meal.

“If anyone wants to donate towards his vet care we would really appreciate it, any amount would really help, no donation is too small.”

Chantelle added that it is common for owners of long-haired cats like Persians to buy them without realising how much care they need. 

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Bury Times: The rescue cat now The rescue cat now (Image: public)

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She said: "They require lots of grooming, eye care and face cleaning daily and also don't fair well as outside cats. 

"A lot of people buy them because they are cute and don't realise how much care they really need."

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